Esmé "Saoirse" San Bonaventura
Certified Peer Counselor
Seattle,WA
Summary
Washington State Certified Peer Support Specialist with a decade in recovery, knowledgeable in care system navigation, and willing to share life experiences to empower and facilitate recovery.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Certified Peer Specialist
Catholic Community Services
Seattle, WA
09.2022 - Current
- Helped individuals set realistic goals based on personal life situations and strengths.
- Managed 40 person caseload.
- Proficient in progress note writing using CareLogic.
- Consistently met direct service hours.
- Used skills such as modeling, education and implantation to teach daily living and coping skills.
- Used personal experience with domestic violence, homelessness, mental health to help clients understand issues and move toward recovery.
- Connected clients with available resources to further treatment goals.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Transported individuals to medical appointments and support meetings whenever needed.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.
- Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
- Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
- Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
Contributing Writer
The Arena Group
01.2008 - Current
- Wrote highly-trafficked features on subjects such as domestic violence education, homelessness awareness, Jungian psychology, and dream symbolism with over 5 million page views.
- Created briefs, features and general content articles.
- Wrote and published reviews of products such as books and music.
- Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
- Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs with captivating, and authentic approach.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
Volunteer
Saint Basil's Charity Committee
Macon, GA
02.2020 - 10.2021
- Volunteered during pandemic to provide care to homeless individuals including basic needs such as food, clothing, and access to COVID testing, vaccinations,
- Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
ManagerPermanent Supportive Housing
Plymouth Housing
Seattle, WA
06.2004 - 10.2006
- Managed 100 unit permanent supportive housing program.
- Coordinated with social services team to address needs of individuals, many with co-occurring disorders.
- Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
Hospice Volunteer
Group Health Cooperative
Seattle, WA
03.2003 - 05.2005
- Offered patients emotional and social support by offering compassionate presence.
- Went above and beyond to help patients without local friends or families handle day-to-day needs.
- Ran errands for patients to collect or purchase needed items.
- Supported families through difficult transitions and answered questions.
- Carried out direct care based on caregiver, family or individual requirements.
Staff Writer
Tablet Newspaper
Seattle, WA
09.2001 - 04.2004
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging, and fact-checked stories.
- Developed stories by researching facts and tracking down sources.
- Responded quickly to emergencies and other breaking news stories.
- Captured and edited audio, video and photographs to provide multimedia content to enhance stories.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes, and approved final versions for publication.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy, and compliance with quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
Middle Georgia State University
Macon, GA 01.2021 - Current
Skills
Trauma informed
Motivational Interviewing
Harm Reduction
De-escalation
Mediation and crisis intervention
Timeline
Certified Peer Specialist
Catholic Community Services
09.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - English
Middle Georgia State University
01.2021 - Current
Volunteer
Saint Basil's Charity Committee
02.2020 - 10.2021
Contributing Writer
The Arena Group
01.2008 - Current
ManagerPermanent Supportive Housing
Plymouth Housing
06.2004 - 10.2006
Hospice Volunteer
Group Health Cooperative
03.2003 - 05.2005
Staff Writer
Tablet Newspaper
09.2001 - 04.2004